What if I can’t work due to the coronavirus?

What you need to know if you can’t work due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you have the tested positive for the coronavirus or even think that you may have the coronavirus, you should make sure that you are keeping both yourself as well as others safe. This definitely means you should NOT be attending work.

If your symptoms are severe, you may want to consider consulting a medical professional.

If I cannot work due to coronavirus, how will I get paid?

Even though you are not working, there are a number of ways that you can ensure you can still get paid.

1. Inquire about using paid sick days from work.
2. Inquire about working from home, if you are feeling well-enough.
3. See if you qualify for EI sick benefits which will provide up to 15 weeks of benefits if you are sick. (You can apply here)
4. Look into other government funding such as the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario works.
5. Inquire about applying for short-term disability benefits which I’ll briefly touch on below.

If I cannot work because I have the coronavirus, will I be entitled to disability benefits?

 In order to apply, you’ll need to make sure that you actually have disability insurance.  If you have been paying monthly premiums for this, you should hopefully have coverage.  If you’re not sure whether you have disability insurance coverage, make sure you ask your employer or HR representative.

If you do, you should definitely apply! That is precisely what disability insurance is for and precisely why you have been paying premiums. What do you have to lose?

If you are approved, this means you will not be forced to work while you are feeling unwell. Instead, you will be paid a monthly benefit amount in accordance with your policy.

If after applying, your insurer refuses to pay you benefits or gives you any hassles along the way, make sure to call us.

I have other questions, who should I talk to?

Call 1-855-821-5900 for a 100% free consultation.  Regardless of where you are in the process, we are happy to talk with you and answer your questions, free of charge.  You are not required to sign anything nor do you need to give a credit card number.  Just ask questions and get answers!

Article contributions by Tamar Agopian.